The Great British Bake Off season 15 released episode 5 on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Paul Hollywood and Pue Leith are the judges for this season of the baking competition, while Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond are the hosts. The show began airing on September 24, 2024, in the UK and on September 27, 2024, in the US.
Following Caramel Week in the previous episode, the latest episode featured bakers doing their best in Pastry Week. The contestants had to impress the judges in three classic rounds - Signature, Technical, and Showstopper. However, Andy Ryan's creation didn't impress the judges and led to his elimination.
The car mechanic was the fifth contestant to leave The Great British Bake Off. While his fellow contestants and judges appreciated Andy's humor and positive attitude, his creations this week didn't meet the judges' expectations.
Meanwhile, Gill Howard was crowned Star Baker for the Week, with a Showstopper that received applause from judge Paul Hollywood.
The Great British Bake Off: Pastry Week
The remaining eight contestants on The Great British Bake Off's episode 5 dealt with the complexities of Pastry Week. They were required to make delicate yet technically difficult baked goods.
The contestants were tasked with creating twelve frangipane tarts for the Signature challenge. They had to create a traditional Greek savory pie called a spanakopita for Paul Hollywood's technical challenge. Lastly, they had to make a Paris-Brest, a dessert made with choux pastry that included a gateau, an edible stand, and at least one custard filling, for the Showstopper.
Andy struggled during the Technical challenge as his Spanakopita failed to meet expectations. Although the flavors of his pastry earned him praise, he had to deal with a "soggy bottom," which placed him second-to-last in the challenge.
In the Showstopper round, Andy’s Paris-Brest recipe, featuring toffee, went awry when his base broke, forcing him to start over. The final result was disappointing, as Paul Hollywood claimed that the flavor lacked the necessary “punch” to stand out.
Despite his efforts, Andy’s performance throughout Pastry Week fell short, and Dame Prue Leith noted that he “didn’t have a good week,” ultimately leading to his elimination.
Andy’s journey on The Great British Bake Off
Andy Ryan reflected on his journey on The Great British Bake Off and said that he had a "fantastic time" and "so many laughs." He accepted his departure and acknowledged that he had not been able to execute his bakes as well as he had hoped.
Judge Paul Hollywood also recognized Andy’s struggles, particularly with the Technical challenge. Hollywood had warned the bakers about the dangers of having a soggy bottom in their Spanakopita, which was what happened to Andy's pastry.
Dame Prue Leith expressed sadness about Andy's elimination adding that she adored him but that "he just didn't have a good week."
Andy’s message on X and future plans
After his elimination, Andy took to X to share his thoughts and express gratitude to both the show and its fans. In a heartfelt post, he wrote that while he did end his "journey with a tear" and not how he expected to leave, he will "certainly be baking Everlong."
“I’m sad I never left with a handshake, Star Baker, winning Technical, or even a Paul pat,” the Great British Bake Off contestant added.
Despite the disappointment, Andy emphasized the overwhelming support he received from fans. He said that it was "overwhelming" to have been "embraced by all the Bake Off family and amazing fans."
“[It] has filled me with love and joy. From the bottom of my heart, thank you,” the baker wrote.
Andy also expressed his desire to pursue a career in baking as he said he would like to think that he could do something in the baking world. He mentioned plans to start baking on social media and share his unique creations with the world.
“Hopefully I can bring some joy to people and encourage everyone, even mechanics, to bake.”
The Great British Bake Off 2024 will resume next week with additional eliminations and new challenges. Every Tuesday, viewers can tune in to Channel 4 to see the bakers attempt new culinary challenges.